Indigenous Nigerian rapper, Jeremiah Chukwuebuka Ani, professionally known as Jeriq, has opened up on his struggles as an artiste before recognition, and how music eventually saved him from crimes.

Speaking in a viral interview with influencer and YouTuber The Smallie, Jeriq shared his first time in Lagos, and how tough it was to secure a collaboration due to his up-and-coming status then.

"The first time I came to Lagos, then I wasn’t popping so I didn’t get any opportunity to meet artists. It was difficult to collaborate with any artist then because I was still upcoming.

“However, things changed when I came back in 2021 and I was able to do a collaborative EP with Dremo titled ‘East and West’,

The rapper further revealed that music has been a way to prevent him from Vices. He shared that he has been arrested severally over vices, however, music was the turning point for him, as it has kept him distracted.

“I have been arrested multiple times by law enforcement agencies due to vices. If you look at my hands and legs, you will see scars of handcuffs. Anti-cult, police have all arrested me before.

“Thank God for music. If not for music, I would probably be in prison by now."